How Judd Zebersky Turned Toy Sales Into Community Support
Judd Zebersky has spent nearly 30 years building Jazwares into one of the toy industry’s leading global companies. Along the way, he used that growth to fund a giving operation that now touches schools, hospitals, and wish-granting organizations across North America.
Jazwares Cares A Philanthropy Built at Founding
When Judd Zebersky established Jazwares in 1997, he also created Jazwares Cares, the company’s philanthropic arm. The program has since donated millions of toys and built ongoing partnerships with children’s hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and public schools. One of its core programs is an Adopt-a-School initiative targeting Title I schools, giving consistent support to institutions serving lower-income communities. Employees participate directly through 16 hours of paid volunteer time each year.
Make-A-Wish and Hospital Giving
Judd Zebersky made Make-A-Wish Southern Florida a particular focus for both personal and corporate giving. Laura Zebersky chaired the organization’s board of directors starting in 2022, following three years of board service. The couple funded more than 100 individual wishes and served as benefactors at the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, which raised over $5 million. Jazwares went further by creating Star, a Squishmallows character made specifically for children living with serious illnesses. More than 10,000 Star units were donated to Make-A-Wish chapters across the United States and Canada. At Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, the Judd Zeberskys gave $2 million toward a major facility expansion and worked with the hospital to produce a custom Lotsy Dotsy doll for young patients. “Putting a smile on children’s faces is at the heart of everything we do,” Zebersky said when announcing the company’s 2025 donation initiatives. He stepped down as CEO on March 20, 2026, though the philanthropic programs he built continue under the company’s new leadership. Read this article for additional information.
Learn more about Judd Zebersky on https://www.allamericanspeakers.com/celebritytalentbios/Judd+Zebersky/462554